Police in Oklahoma City have launched an investigation after surveillance camera footage emerged which showed officers apparently dragging a mentally ill man face down by his feet.

James Heidebrecht was tased and arrested at Will Rogers World Airport after he became agitated while going through security.

But it was when police removed him from the scene that they apparently went beyond usual practice by dragging him through the airport, an action which has led to one officer having his duties restricted.

Heidebrecht said he needed to give a package to Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich, who was speaking in the area, according to KOCO.

But when police questioned him further, he apparently became distressed and caused a disturbance.

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Rough treatment: Heidebrecht was dragged through the airport by police

Investigation: One officer has been redeployed following the incident

Surveillance footage from the airport shows him yelling out as police tried to calm him down.

Heidebrecht shouted that he was the director of the CIA and head of the Green Berets, and eventually officers tased him in order to subdue him.